Fit-again Ulster second row Dan Tuohy has been called into a 36-man Ireland training squad ahead of Saturday's crucial Six Nations game against Wales.

The lock has missed Ireland's entire Six Nations campaign to date after damaging thumb ligaments in January.

The nine-times capped 29-year-old has not featured in Test action since February, 2014.

His Six Nations campaign was cut short and autumn internationals wiped out after twice breaking his arm.

Tuohy trudged out of Ireland's 26-3 Six Nations victory over Wales in Dublin last year, suffering his first arm fracture just nine minutes after joining the second-half fray.

The former Gloucester and Exeter tight-five forward missed out as Ireland clinched the 2014 Six Nations title, before being ruled out of the autumn Tests after suffering another broken arm.

Tuohy started Ulster's 26-22 defeat by the Dragons at the weekend and will be keen to make an impression as Ireland gear up to continue their bid to retain the Six Nations title in Cardiff on Saturday.

He will find it tough going to break the match day 23 for the Millennium Stadium encounter, with captain Paul O'Connell and Devin Toner set to continue their second-row partnership, with Iain Henderson impressing from the bench.

Ireland top the Six Nations standings after three games, two points clear of England and Wales.